17. Ezekiel, son of man, I have appointed you to stand watch for the people of Israel. So listen to what I say, then warn them for me.
18. When I tell wicked people they will die because of their sins, you must warn them to turn from their sinful ways so they won't be punished. If you refuse, you are responsible for their death.
19. However, if you do warn them, and they keep on sinning, they will die because of their sins, and you will be innocent.
20. Now suppose faithful people start sinning, and I decide to put stumbling blocks in their paths to make them fall. They deserve to die because of their sins. So if you refuse to warn them, I will forget about the times they were faithful, and I will hold you responsible for their death.
21. But if you do warn them, and they listen to you and stop sinning, I will let them live. And you will be innocent.
22. The Lord took control of me and said, “Stand up! Go into the valley, and I will talk with you there.”
23. I immediately went to the valley, where I saw the brightness of the Lord's glory, just as I had seen near the River Chebar, and I bowed with my face to the ground.
24. His Spirit took control of me and lifted me to my feet. Then the Lord said:Go back and lock yourself in your house!
25. You will be tied up to keep you inside,
26. and I will make you unable to talk or to warn those who have rebelled against me.
27. But the time will come, when I will tell you what to say, and you will again be able to speak my message. Some of them will listen; others will be stubborn and refuse to listen.